Miffed with Tamil megastar Rajinikanth’s comments on the Cauvery issue, the Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce today decided to not allow the screening of his movie Kaala in the state. The film is scheduled to release on June 7.
The film industry is upset with Rajinikanth’s alleged statement that whichever government comes to power in Karnataka should implement the Supreme Court order about Cauvery water sharing.
KFCC president Sa Ra Govindu told PTI that a decision has been taken that Rajinikanth’s film will not be screened in Karnataka. “A decision has been taken that Rajinikanth’s movie will neither be distributed nor screened anywhere in Karnataka,” said Govindu admitting that the actor’s statement on Cauvery issue made them take such a decision.
The KFCC president said the ban on distribution and screening of Rajinikanth movies will continue. “The ban will remain because neither will he apologise for his statement nor are we going to pardon him,” said Govindu.
Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy had recently asked the actor to visit the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam to see the status of water level before passing any comments. The film star has often faced the wrath of pro-Kannada organisations for his comments on the Cauvery issue.
The actor has a great fan following in Karnataka, especially Bengaluru and Kolar where there is a sizable Tamil population.
Prasanta Patnaik